Orthodontic system anchoring method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Orthodontic system anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent applications is a continuation-in-part patent application ofthe patent application entitled “Orthodontic Appliance Anchoring Methodand Apparatus”, Ser. No. 13/487,822 filed Jun. 4, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field

This invention pertains to orthodontic anchoring and applianceattachment systems. Specifically, it refers to an orthodontic anchoringand attachment method for teeth connected to orthodontic appliances.These are custom made appliances designed on demand by the orthodontistfor the anchorage needs and/or appliance development during one visit atthe orthodontist. These appliances are affixed to temporary anchoragedevices (TADs) and/or teeth and/or orthodontic appliances. Each customappliance has in common mechanical fasteners with one or multipleorthodontic auxiliaries and, at least one flexible fit module (FFM),which is a flexible curable resin rope. The mechanical fasteners can befitted to all traditional orthodontic appliances/auxiliaries. Betweenany of these fasteners the FFM is placed to complete the appliance. Thisinvention simplifies orthodontic mechanics used by the orthodontist fortooth movement and alignment creating never seen before appliances,which incorporate current orthodontic auxiliaries, and blend them into anew innovative system. Fasteners are placed on teeth, TADs orappliances. Then segments of the FFM are adapted around the anatomy ofthe mouth to join fasteners together. Once the appliance is designed,adapted and fitted to the patient, it is cured to become a rigidleverage point or points to withstand oral and orthodontic forcesrequired to move teeth. Tooth movement is simplified and made moreefficient while time is minimized and patient comfort is improved.

State of the Art

Orthodontics and Dento-facial Orthopedics deal in the treatment ofmalocclusion (improper bites), mal-alignment of teeth and manipulatingjaws during growth or with surgical intervention to improve oral facialesthetics, function, and oral health. Comprehensive orthodontictreatment utilizes many intra-oral and extra-oral appliances to achievecorrective measures. Most commonly orthodontic brackets are bonded toteeth and metal wires are inserted into the orthodontic brackets (dentalbraces), which are made from various metals or a more aesthetic ceramicmaterial. The wires are generally affixed with elastic or metalligatures and interact with the brackets to move teeth into the desiredpositions. Orthodontic appliances have historically been connected viacustom bent wires connected from the teeth to the auxiliaries and/orappliances through laboratory procedures.

Stainless steel arch-wires can be bent, shaped, and tightened to achievedesired results. Newer Nickel-titanium arch-wires and othertemperature-sensitive materials are routinely used for this purpose, butdo not require bending. When cold, the arch-wire is limp and flexible,easily threaded between brackets of most configurations. Once heated tobody temperature, the arch-wire will stiffen and seek to return to itsoriginal shape. These arch-wires create constant light forces on theteeth. Brackets with hooks can be placed, or hooks can be added to thearchwire to affix elastics to pull teeth into alignment. The placementand configuration of the elastics is determined by the required courseof treatment of each patient. Each month or two, the braces will beadjusted and modified as needed. The orthodontist will remove thecolored rubber ties keeping the wire in place or the wire may bereplaced or modified and rubber ties replaced as individual ties or acontinuous chain is used to close space. Tooth positioning appliancesare defined as all traditional appliances used in orthodontics includingbut not limited to brackets, bands, tubes, cleats, buttons, wires, caps,rapid palatal expanders, nance appliances, space maintainers,trans-palatal arches, distalization appliances, dental orthopedicappliances, custom bent appliances or any other appliance commonly usedit the practice of orthodontics.

Temporary attachment devices or TADs are used as anchored points tosecure elastics, springs or wire modules bent for a specific purpose.These elastic or metal modules use a TAD, which is fixed to bone and notconnected to teeth for anchorage. Teeth are poorer anchor points becauseteeth move in accordance with Newton's third law—for every action thereis an equal and opposite reaction. Thus when connected to large molars,smaller teeth are more likely to move further toward the molars. Thiscreates a problem when a tooth is not to move. TADs have begun to solvethis problem by adding anchorage to a tooth or groups of teeth allowingfor biased orthodontic mechanics.

In additional to TADs and ancillary components orthodontics includesremovable appliances, headgear, expansion appliances, fixed appliancesand many other devices. These adjunctive appliances may be used to moveteeth and jaw bones. Functional appliances, for example, are used ingrowing patients (age 7 to 14) to modify the jaw and their relationship.This therapy, termed Dento-facial Orthopedics, is followed by fixedmulti-bracket therapy (see “full” //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_braces(“braces”) to align the teeth and refine the occlusion (see//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occlusion (“dentistry”).

In many cases there is insufficient space in the dental arch for all theteeth to fit properly. There are two main procedures to rectify thisproblem. One is extraction: teeth are removed to create space. Thesecond is expansion: the maxillary arch or upper jaw is made larger byusing a palatal expander. The palatal expanders are secured to teeth todirect the expansion along the suture that separates both halves of theupper jaw. This is the suture that opens and subsequently fills in withnew bone when a rapid palatal expander is used.

A number of devices are employed with round steel wires attached tofitted bands around teeth to direct forces and move teeth to correct apatient's bite. For example, Cope, U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,707 issued May18, 2010 discloses an Orthodontic trans-palatal intrusion arch assemblysecured with TADs to close open bites. It employs a number oftrans-palatal arch wires connected to molar bands and TADs to directforces along desired segments of the mouth. These wires are custom bentand formed to the patient and do not necessarily form a perfect fit.Consequently, additional welding and adjustment and/or lab work arerequired, resulting in multiple fitting visits. Cinader, Jr., U.S. Pat.No. 7,774,084 issued Aug. 10, 2010 creates a method by which implantscan be placed more accurately using a template created with the aid ofcomputers. The doctor can place TADs or other types of implants moreaccurately with this template technology device.

Conventional appliances must be welded and bent to fit the anatomy ofthe oral cavity. This requires: 1) fitting bands or brackets in theoffice and taking impressions of the teeth, 2) placing the fittedbands/brackets into the impression and 3) sending it to a lab for custombending of steel wires, soldering of the wires to connect component ofthe appliance and/or making acrylic components of the appliance. Afterthe laboratory production is completed the patient is brought back in tothe orthodontic office where final bending adjustments are made to theappliance by the orthodontist. Typically these appliances containbrackets or bands fitted with hooks and bars welded in place from teethto TADs or other appliances. These can be affixed to the arch-wire,bracket or TADs to secure to elastics, springs etc. to move teeth intoalignment. This can result in ill-fitting jerry rigged devices, whichcan be uncomfortable for the patient and not ideal for the orthodontist.

The custom device and method described below avoids these problems byproviding an easily fitted FFM connected to an anchoring systemassociated with TADs and/or appliances to the tooth/teeth. This FFMreplaces the stainless steel wire and connects the different componentsof the appliance, and allows for immediate placement of an efficient,comfortable appliance with no lab work or impression requirements. Thisinvention creates a new category of appliances to simplify orthodonticmechanics used to align teeth without welds, bending of wires, ormultiple fitting visits. It thus alters current orthodontic practices,saves time, impressions and is beneficial to the patient and theOrthodontist.

OBJECTIVES

Some of the objectives of the present invention are to:

1) Create a new system to attach to and utilize temporary anchoragedevices TADs for anchorage and revolutionize the attachment oftraditional orthodontic appliances to teeth.

2) Simplify and generate efficiencies to orthodontic mechanics byallowing up righting and space closure of tipped molars by placing abracket suspended in space and fixed to a TAD where the orthodontistwould have the bracket if the tooth were ideally placed. This inventionassists the orthodontist with many difficult orthodontic proceduresincluding but not limited to: canted occlusion, impacted or un-eruptedteeth, intrusion, extrusion, expansion, space closure or opening, andfixed stabilization of a tooth or teeth when movement is not wanted andadditional anchorage is required.

3) Decrease treatment time and patient compliance requirements byimproving the use of TADS which are screws inserted into the bonebetween the teeth for increased anchorage or to create points of fixedanchorage which can be manipulated to the advantage of the Orthodontistto move teeth.

4) Enhance utilization of traditional appliances by changing the way theappliance are fit and connected together using one or more flex fitmodules (FFM), which are flexible curable resin ropes and clampsattached to traditional bands, brackets, appliances, TADs etc. Theseclamps and FFM are connected together providing a platform by which theorthodontist can adjust auxiliaries from TADS and/or appliances to thecurrent brackets and systems to bias the orthodontic mechanics for thebenefit of the patient and orthodontist.

5) Employ TADs used in conjunction with traditional brackets, wires,invisible removable aligners, and appliances to move teeth into thedesired alignment by creating a new category of appliance or attachmentapparatus.

6) Remove the requirement of impressions, lab work, utilization ofpreformed or custom bent wire used to connect appliance parts, andaftermarket soldering currently required to make and properly placeorthodontic appliances. The FFM works in conjunction with or canentirely replace the wire or wires used to connect components oforthodontic appliances.

Specifically, this invention provides attachment devices from the TAD toa tooth or teeth either directly or indirectly. It also provides theability to attach from a TAD to a free-floating point in spacecantilevered to where the tooth is desired to arrive. This invention isused to create desired movement, or to stop undesired movement by beingplaced mesial or distal (in-front or behind) of a bracket and then beingactivated by traditional orthodontic mechanics to move teeth, thusavoiding undesired movement of anchored teeth. Between these newattachment devices a new flex fit module (FFM) is utilized to adapt tothe anatomy of the oral cavity and provide a perfect fitting appliancein one visit with no lab work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises orthodontic TAD attachment devices, toothattachment devices, and orthodontic appliance attachment devices, allconnected to a tooth or teeth (via brackets/bands/orthodontichardware/orthodontic appliances). The attachment is made using a clampwhich connects to a Flex Fit Module (FFM) (curable flexible resin rope)at one end, which is then shaped to the patient's oral anatomy andfastened to another auxiliary clamp to attach to a tooth, appliance, TADor be set to a point in space toward which the tooth will be moved. TheFFM replaces the wire traditionally used to connect components oforthodontic appliances from tad to tooth to appliance in anycombination. TAD, tooth, and appliance connections are custom designedand can be formulated in any order and number of attachments (connectedto TAD, tooth, appliance) in any configuration to any part the oralcavity.

As used herein, the term “flex fit module (FFM) or resin rope” is acomponent of this orthodontic system allowing for the connectivity fromtooth to orthodontic appliance or from one component of this system toanother component of this orthodontic system which connects to anytraditional orthodontic bracket, band, appliance or system. One examplewould be from a temporary anchorage device to an orthodontic auxiliarysuch as a tube, band, hook, button or bonded or non-bonded attachmentwhich interfaces with a tooth to hold it in place or cause it to move.Another example is the connection between a band on a tooth and a nance,rapid palatal expander, space maintainer, holding arch or any otherorthodontic device.

As used herein, the term “flexible structural component” is a structureused to alter the handling of the pre-cured resin rope (FFM) or thestrength of the pre-cured or post cured resin rope. The flexiblestructural component is one component of an FFM and may not be requiredin all FFM resin ropes. The flexible structural component of an FFM maybe a solid wire or a hollow tube of any diameter or shape to accomplishhandling and strength requirements of a particular orthodontic use. Italso may or may not be used to contain resins, components of resin theirfillers or fibers. This structural component may be more flexible orless flexible dependent upon required usage and loads required for anygiven orthodontic purpose. The flexible resin component is thereforemade from any material that fits the required force load and handlingrequirements. A partial list of these materials includes steel,stainless steel, surgical steel, nickel, aluminum, copper, tin, lead,iron, tungsten, magnesium titanium or any amalgamation of the above withadditives to create proper strength and handling properties. Thesematerials may also be treated by annealing, hardening or softening withheat or additives. Other materials that are used for flexible structuralcomponents include plastics, fibers, woven fibers, carbon fibers, metalfibers, cloth fibers, resin impregnated fibers or filaments which couldbe made into such a flexible structural component. These materials canbe cut or made from additive manufacturing (3D printing) as required toproduce said structure. These materials of metal of any variety or othermaterials can be porous, etched, scored, cut, perforated, laser cut witha symmetrical or asymmetrical grooves, lines, matrix patterns of anyvaried shape and may have any shape or cross sections along entire ropeor at different portions of any given rope. The flexible curablecomponent may encase internal elements or be imbedded a given rope. Itcan be of any cross-section and of different diameters. It may or not beflexible at parts and ridged at other parts or ends to accomplishattachment connections to other parts of this orthodontic system. Thefasteners by which pieces are connected to teeth, directly to softtissue, orthodontic appliances, other components or orthodonticauxiliaries may be accomplished as one piece with the flexiblestructural component at any ends or at any point or points along theresin rope (FFM). It can be solid at any point along said rope toaccommodate fixtures, collars, clips, fasteners or for orthodontic usesor connectivity. It may or may not be cut, scored, perforated,symmetrically or asymmetrically to alter the direction the rope islikely to flex before and during placement or is likely to receiveforces after placement and curing. The encasing or embedded structuralcomponent may be matrix or stent like lattice ma be in or around acurable resin forming a reinforced matrix rope when cured.

As used herein the term “fastener” is any connecting device whichattaches any FFM to any other traditional orthodontic hardware,orthodontic appliances, orthodontic auxiliaries, flex fit wafers (FFW),to other FFM(s), or parts of this orthodontic system. Said fastenerswhich are also referred to as attachment devices connect one piece oforthodontic appliances/hardware/systems to another with a physicalattachment such as a clamp, clip, hook, collar, wire lock, insert,chemically adhered junction, resin adhered junction, snap, weld, channeland groove, pin and lock, wire tie, insert clip or ball, cleatattachment, linkage, flexible junction, collar and sleeve, ball andjoint, groove and snap, male and female inserts, friction junction withone way lock, friction junction with two way lock, or any mechanicalunit which connects parts of this orthodontic system.

As used herein the term “component” refers to different parts of theorthodontic system. A partial list of components include variousdifferent flex fit modules (FFM's) or flexible curable ropes, fasteners,orthodontic appliances, temporary anchorage devices, hard tissue boneattachment plates, magnets, vibration devices, tissue penetratingorthodontic visible or non-visible lights, braces, extra-oral orintraoral orthodontic apparatus's, removable alignment devices,retainers, Bite correcting appliances, tooth holding appliances, teethmoving appliances, Orthodontic auxiliaries and Flex fit wafers whichconnect to other components of this system for orthodontic purposes.

As used herein the term “flex fit wafer” is a soft tissue interfacewhich is connected to an FFM or orthodontic appliance which allows thedirect contact with the soft tissues of the oral cavity such as a nanceappliance which would be connected to one or more FFM(s) then connectedto a bands or brackets on required teeth.

As used herein an orthodontic auxiliary is any linkage or connectingapparatus which can hold or activate orthodontic movement and the termof orthodontic appliance is one or more auxiliaries combined to createan appliance. The following is a group of orthodontic appliances andauxiliaries and not meant to be a complete list: a temporary anchoragedevice (TAD), bone plates, orthodontic hardware, removable orthodonticappliances, tooth holding appliances, fixed orthodontic appliances,space maintenance appliances, orthodontic braces, ligatures, clearremovable aligners, a second FFM, a flex fit wafer, band(s), bracket(s),custom milled or additively manufactured brackets or bands, mesh pads,tubes, wires, orthodontic auxiliaries, hooks, buttons, elastics,elastomerics, inter-oral or extra-oral orthodontic appliances, activetooth positioning orthodontic appliance(s), magnets, visible and nonvisible light emitting appliances, vibration devices, appliances whichdeliver an electrical current(s) into the oral structures.

As used herein the term anchorage element is any appliance or auxiliarywhich has a fastener or fasteners attached or embedded or incorporatedonto or fabricated within or welded to said appliance or auxiliary.

This invention is functionally efficient, and comfortably attached toone, two or multiple teeth and/or TAD and/or appliance by a clampdesigned for that specific use. The invention also modifies currentappliances by adding clamps to them. These clamps are then fitted withFFM's, which are shaped and connect to teeth, which are also fitted withclamps. The apparatus can attach to the orthodontic appliance via thearch-wire, which may pass through a tube (round or rectangular) that ispart of the clamp. This tube is fitted to the mechanical fastener(clamp), which provides immovable stop to hold teeth in a particularposition within the dental arch.

The connectivity from teeth to TADs or appliances using cut to length,flexible curable resin ropes (FFM) has not heretofore been employed.Adaptations of this appliance are fit and molded to the patient's oralanatomy and cured via heat, time, chemical or light curing, which fixesthe apparatus between all its various custom attachments in placecreating a newly place fixed custom appliance. The invention allows fora simple more precise use of forces on braces, arch-wires, and teeth orthe appliances used to align teeth. Thus, this new anchoring applianceprovides vectors with fewer unwanted side affects to align teeth usingbraces, arch-wires, and orthodontic appliances. The orthodontist candesign biasing pressure as needed to obtain selective movement of teeth.

Specifically, the invention comprises at least one FFM curable flexibleresin rope of varied diameters and length secured by TADs, teeth (viabands or brackets) and/or appliances, each having mechanical fastenersstructured to secure segments of the flexible resin rope to its end useattachment. The FFM resin rope in a first mode is flexible and of alength to be positioned and adapted within the mouth along desiredsegments of the teeth, gums, palate and buccal and lingual portions ofthe oral cavity in both the mandible and maxilla. The resin rope is thenattached to another clamp to anchor, attach, or connect to a desiredstructure, (i.e. TAD, tooth or appliance) in the oral cavity with thepurpose alignment of the human dentition. In a second mode after beingplaced in the desired position, the resin rope is cured and hardenedwith light, heat, or chemicals to rigidly hold its position during theapplication of the biasing pressure to the teeth (orthodontic force).This provides exact placement of desired anchorage points to teeth,TADs, appliances or points in space for the orthodontist to createdesired vectors on teeth. Pulling, pushing, erupting, intruding,rotating, torque, tipping and bodily movement of teeth using braces,arch-wires, TADs and tooth straightening appliances move the teeth moreefficiently using forces biased based on the needs of the individualpatient.

Orthodontic appliances are currently fabricated of stainless steelcomponents, i.e. screws, pistons with springs, or wire custom bent orpre-formed to serve a function. They are then welded to bands orbrackets. This invention can be connected to all of these deviceswithout wires or bending to connect them. This is a one-visit appliancefit utilizing the Flex Fit Module (FFM) and clamps at both ends oforthodontic device now connected without custom bent wires.

In one embodiment, the mechanical fasteners are hinged with curvedlocking jaws structured to secure to segments of flexible resin ropes.This can be repeated with unlimited numbers of locking jaws (clamps)used along any portion of the resin rope. Any attachment can be designedin conjunction with these clamps to serve any anchorage issue inorthodontics. The diameter of the closed clamp is smaller than the resinrope to create a mechanical lock. This mechanical lock can be achievedwith teeth or protruding wedges which bites/penetrates into the FFM tubeand/or resin creating a lock from the clamp to the FFM. There are cutouts or windows in the clamp to ensure the flexible rope is curedproperly. The windows also serve as mechanical locks because some of theFFM flexible tube or resin protrudes into the cut outs or windows andextends past the clamp and around its borders to mechanically lock it inplace as it is closed. Using these principles the ropes/FFM andjaws/clips can have any required diameters to meet the force required bya specific anchorage issue or a particular appliance to be fitted withthis system.

In another embodiment, the TAD is inserted into the bone with its headprotruding out of the tissue. A cap that fits over the head of the TADis fitted with a clamp (one piece), which accepts the FFM and is placedon the TAD. A bracket or band also fitted with a clamp is bonded to atooth. The FFM is cut to length and shaped around the anatomy of themouth from clamp to clamp. The jaws of the clamps are closed and the FFMbetween the clamp on the tooth and the clamp fixed to the TAD are cured.After curing the device becomes a solid system anchoring the tooth withthe TAD. This system can be repeated using any appliance used inorthodontics, which is fitted with a clamp to any tooth fitted with aband or bracket fitted with at clamp. It is also possible to attachbetween these two ends another fastener/clamp fitted with any auxiliarysuch as hook or bracket to the FFM for orthodontic use.

Mechanical locking devices or clamps or clips can be configured asclosing jaws or snap fit covers where two separate pieces snap togetherto form the clamp with teeth to bite into the resin rope and fix the FFMmechanically in place. (as seen in cross section of expansion screwshown in FIG. 4b )

At least one curable flexible resin rope has segments secured by themechanical locking devices in a first mode where the rope is flexiblefor positioning within the mouth and contoured around the anatomy of theoral cavity of the patient. Various auxiliaries can be positioned aroundthe mouth and in conjunction with traditional orthodontic appliances tocreated beneficial placement to aide in the alignment of teeth and tomodify growth of the jaws, when appropriate. Once in position the customappliance including the curable resin rope (FFM) and its fasteners arecured into one piece and hardened with light, heat, or chemicals torigidly hold its position. Biasing pressure is then employed to preventsome teeth from moving while encouraging movement of other teeth using aTAD or Multiple TADs for anchorage.

One embodiment of a mechanical locking device has hinged jaws with teeththat interlock when closed to secure around a desired segment of theflexible resin rope. The hinged jaws include at least one openingthrough which a portion of the resin rope protrudes into when the jawsare closed to prevent the rope from slipping, when hardened. Thediameter of the FFM is larger than the jaws when closed. In anothervariation the locking jaws can be of the same diameter of the FFM, ifthe inner parts of the jaws are structured to provide retention througha mesh pad system to lock the resin in place when cured.

The mechanical locking device may include an orthodontic tube or centralchannel structured to allow an arch-wire to slide through. It may alsobe fitted with a bracket, cleat, or hook to which springs or elasticsmay be affixed to apply vector pressure. In another variation, thecentral channel of a slide is rectangular in shape to secure to thearch-wire to prevent its twisting; thus providing rotational force tothe tooth positioning appliance and affixed tooth when the arch-wiretwists. The auxiliary device is manipulated via wire bending to placethe auxiliary at a point in space, which is beneficial to orthodonticmovement with the removable wire temporarily fitted into a tube orbracket before the FFM is cured. The FFM is fitted to the fastener andis held in place temporarily by said wire. When the FFM is attached tothe fastener is cured, the wire is removed for the auxiliary to acceptactivation.

An orthodontic space maintainer or a TAD(s) may be connected to anarch-wire where an FFM is adapted around tissues and orthodontichardware to allow the tube or bracket to be placed on an orthodonticarch-wire via a central channel (tube), which allows the orthodonticbracket or tube to slide and be placed at any position along saidarch-wire. After curing of the FFM, the tube or bracket becomes lockedin place and a hook or cleat secured to the sliding attachment can beconnected to or by other auxiliaries such as springs and elastomericsfor application of orthodontic biasing forces delivered to another toothor teeth.

One embodiment of the tooth positioning appliances comprises teeth(banded) with hinged jaws to interlock when closed to secure around adesired segment of the flexible resin rope (FFM). The mechanical jawswhen shut are of a smaller diameter than the FFM and because windows arecut into the jaws of the mechanical fasteners to allow the uncured FFMto be expressed or protrude through window when jaws are closed. Oncecured the mechanical junction is complete.

A cleat, hook or bracket may be affixed to the hinged jaws to provideanother anchoring point for the orthodontist to attach springs, wires orelastic components as needed to complete a custom appliance.

In another embodiment, the mechanical locking device comprises hingedjaws with teeth, grooves, dimples, channels affixed and interlockingtogether (both male and female portions of clamp) when closed to snapand clip together to hold clamp shut and secure around a desired segmentof the flexible resin rope FFM. The teeth or grooves inside the clampare different and used to bite into the FFM itself to lock the FFM inplace.

In another embodiment, the orthodontic anchoring apparatus includes atleast four Flex fit modules FFMs affixed with a clipping clamp to anexpansion screw in the palate of the mouth. The opposing teeth on eachside of the maxillary arch (two teeth on each side of the arch) of themouth are fitted with brackets with mechanical locking devices (clamps).After the four FFMs are locked into place via the clamps, formed andcured the arch is ready for expansion.

To secure rapid palatal expanders, curable FFM flexible resin ropesegments with first ends secured by the mechanical locking devices orjaws attached to the teeth at one end and to the expander at the secondends. The FFM's in the first mode are flexible and positioned around theanatomy of the mouth to attach both ends of the FFM. Once in positionthe FFM's are cured and hardened with light, heat, or chemicals torigidly hold its position to make the appliance solid during tooth/jawmovement. The FFM rope segments, now cured, rigidly fix in position therapid palatal expander so that its separation structure (screw), whenactivated, applies lateral separation pressure to the teeth to widen thepalatal suture of the roof of the mouth. This invention allows expandersto be placed to either a TAD, a tooth, or both using clamps fit to theexpander.

The flexible resin ropes/flex fit modules (FFM) are made of light, heat,or chemically curable resins which can be mixed with fillers or fibersto form a composite material. The curable resin can include but is notlimited to epoxies, acrylates, cyanoacrylates, silicones, polyurethanes,or polyureas. It is preferred that the curable resin be activated bylight and be based on acrylate resins with a photoinitiator that isactivated by either UV or visible light. The acrylate material could bea combination of di-functional and tri-functional resins and are mostcommonly composed of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)monomers or Bis-GMA analogs. Other functional acrylates can be added asreactive diluents to achieve certain physical properties such asflow-ability for ease of handling. As with other composite materialsused for dental composite fillings, the preferred resins typicallyconsist of an oligomer acrylates, such as a (Bis-GMA) or urethanedimethacrylate (UDMA), a reactive diluent, and a filler. OligomerBis-GMA analogs can vary with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG)monomers incorporated into the molecule. Urethane methacrylate oligomerscan also be used with both di- and tri-functionality with or without PEGconstituents. Reactive diluents include triethleneglycol methacrylate(TEG), low molecular weight trimethacrylates or other PEG basedmethacrylates. The compositions vary widely, with proprietary mixes ofresins forming the matrix, as well as engineered filler materialsdepending upon the composite properties required. The FFM can be madewith or without a flexible rubber/plastic tube of varied thickness whichencases the resin material and allows for better working properties.This can also be described as a resin filled tube which is flexible. Thetube wrapping the resin can be configured with varied widths anddifferent materials and varied chemical/molecular makeup to adjust itsproperties.

Filler materials can be based on organic or inorganic materials.Examples of organic fillers can be nanometer or micrometer sizeparticles of polymers based on polystyrene, nylon, or others. Examplesof inorganic fillers can be nanometer or micrometer size particles basedon silica, alumina, or other inorganic metal oxides or ceramics. Fillermaterials are used to adjust key properties of the resins such asmechanical properties and viscosity. Nanomaterials can also be used asfillers, such as carbon nanotubes or nanowires based on metals or metaloxides. A coupling agent such as silane may be used to enhance the bondbetween the components. Fiber materials can also be added to enhance themechanical properties of the resin composite. Fiber materials can bemade from carbon, glass (silica or other inorganic oxide), polyester,polypropylene, or other polymers and act as reinforcing rods to improvethe overall stiffness and strength of the composite before and aftercuring.

In the preferred embodiment of the FFM, a photo initiator is used tocure the composite material that decomposes into free radicals whenexposed to light to initiate the polymerization reaction. Photoinitiators that decompose under visible light (wavelengths between400-700 nm) are typically used in dental composites. Examples ofphotoinitiators include but are not limited to camphorquinone (CQ),phenylpropanedione (PPD) or trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide(TPO). A catalyst or co-initiator may be included to control its speed.Co-initiators are typically tertiary amines such as ethyl4-dimethylaminobenzoate.

The orthodontic anchoring device thus provides an improved easily fittedresin rope FFM which can be adapted anywhere a metal wire washistorically bent and shaped for appliances such as but not limited tospace-maintainers, rapid palatal expanders, trans-palatal arches, labialbows on retainers, anchoring systems associated with TADs and toothpositioning appliances. Forces can be directed through the FFM andvector can be individualized for better alignment of teeth. No lab work,custom bent wires, or multiple fitting visits are required.

The hinging jaws or clamps are just one iteration of other clamps, whichwill utilize the same overlying technologies and principles but may bedifferent in their design, size, materials or mechanical workings. Thehinging jaws or clamps may connect to a fastener or any connectingdevice or mechanism which allows for a physical, mechanical or chemicalconnection between any orthodontic device, equipment or one or moreFFM(s) for orthodontic purposes. Likewise the Flex fit module or FFMincluding its resin makeup and it's tube or wrap requirements may bedesigned to fulfill the same function but can be designed with differentshapes, thicknesses and materials but used for the same uses describedhere within.

For example, the invention may be adapted for use with invisalign typeappliances. This requires a tooth anchoring structure designed to fitflat onto the lingual or buccal surface of a tooth/teeth via abracket/band, which follows the profile of the of the anatomy of thetooth tightly as to enable the placement of a plastic invisibleremovable aligner or retainer over the combined tooth and band/bracketstructure. The attachment maintains a thin, low profile tooth attachmentbracket/band and continues apically, exiting the invisalign applianceand extends around the anatomy of the soft and hard tissues of thepalate buccal/lingual mucosa on either/both the maxilla or mandible. Itextends past the border of the overlaid plastic invisible removablealigner so as to be unencumbered by said aligner. At which point, amechanical clamp accepts the first end of the FFM. Then the second endof the FFM is attached to at least one TAD with a mechanical fastenerfitted with an attachment for the TAD (TAD cap). This attachmentattached to the tooth has a removable cap placed over the clamps forsmooth impression release and/or scanning of the teeth when theattachment is placed on teeth before an impression/scan is taken forfabrication of the appliance. This invisalign orthodontic appliancevariation provides anchorage for the tooth/teeth during treatment withinvisible removable clear plastic appliances and will allow for biasingforces with the use of invisible removable appliances.

In another embodiment, the tooth anchoring structure is designed to fitflat onto the lingual or buccal surface of a tooth/teeth via abracket/band, which follows the profile of the anatomy of the tooth soas to not inhibit the placement of a plastic invisible removable aligneror retainer over the combined tooth and band/bracket structure.

This variation may be adapted with an FFM with first and second ends. Anattachment with a removable cap, which maintains a thin, low profile andcontinues apically around the anatomy of the soft and hard tissues ofthe palate buccal/lingual mucosa on either/both the maxilla or mandibleis included to extend past a border of the overlaid plastic invisibleremovable aligner leaving an unencumbered segment. The aligner is cut toallow placement in a low, thin profile with small lingual/buccal or inand out profiles, which extend below the level of the gingival margins.Beyond the boundaries of the aligner are placed FFM(s) to hold a toothor teeth in place and assist in orthodontic anchorage of attached teeth.Where the bracket attachment and the FFM continue, allows placement ofthe plastic invisible removable aligner/retainer. A mechanical clamp isaffixed to the unencumbered segment to accept the first end of the FFMattached to at least one TAD. The second end of the FFM has a mechanicalfastener fitted with an attachment for the TAD structured so that theremovable cap covers the clamps and the attachment provides a smoothimpression for scanning before impressions or scans are taken.

These orthodontic anchoring apparatus with tooth anchoring structures,clamps, fasteners and appliances are made of metal or metalamalgamations/alloys components via mold injection or milling or castingtechniques, which may or may not include stainless steel, molybdenumcopper, tin, nickel, silver, gold, titanium, aluminum, and other similarmaterials.

The FFM curable flexible rope may be a resin filled tube. The resinwithin the tube can be chemically adjusted to achieve different physicalcharacteristics including slump, firmness, wetness, malleability,flexibility, strength, hardness, flowability, curability properties andother relevant properties. The tube surrounding or encasing this resinalso can be similarly modified by altering materials or width of tube tochange its physical properties for the mechanical clamping or bitinginto via clamp requirements, and also those other properties mentionedabove for the resin.

In still another embodiment, the FFM includes a flexible moldableskeleton allowing for manipulation, molding, contouring, and addingstrength to the FFM to temporarily hold in a molded position in a firstmode until cured in a second mode. The FFM flexible moldable skeletonmay comprise and endoskeleton embedded in the matrix, or a bendablesemi-rigid mesh or lattice like exoskeleton encasing the curable resinmaterial. The semi-rigid mesh or lattice like exoskeleton defines spaceswhich allow light to penetrate for curing the curable resin material.

The flexible structural component can be made to have no perforationsand thus can be solid segment or a non-perforated section of the ropewith the same shape or flat or any shape to accommodate a physical,mechanical, or chemical fastener of any type at any given point along anFFM or at any of its end(s) to accommodate fasteners such as collars,clips, clamps, friction attachments, ball and socket, channel andgroove, ligature, nut and bolt, screw to surface, male into femalesliding receiver with or without grooves, or any other mechanical,physical or chemical fastener(s) used for orthodontic appliances andtheir connectivity to an FFM.

The FFM is manipulated to fit around the oral structures and is attachedto a fastener attached to a tooth fitted with a bracket, custom milledbracket, or band bonded to said tooth to secure second ends of the FFMto the tooth. After curing the FFM the tooth is connected to a TAD fixedinto the bone. This tooth can now be an anchor to move other teeth usingtraditional orthodontic hardware which is attached on another side of atooth. This same arrangement can be accomplished by FFM being attachedat its second end to a fastener which is not connected to a bracket orband, but is connected to a rectangular or round molar tube or bracketfitted with a fastener to connect the tube or bracket to an arch-wire.It is slid adjacent to and in contact with a traditional bracket affixedto a tooth using traditional methods, but once the FFM and bracket areplaced in contact and cured, the traditionally placed bracket or tube isheld from moving along the arch-wire. Movement is stopped because theFFM attached tube prevents its sliding on the arch-wire in one directionand thus the tooth is held fixed to accomplish the same goals as werepreviously described.

The clamps mechanically or chemically bond or attach to the FFM whenclosed. Mechanical clamps physically attach to the FFM viateeth/protuberances/mesh, which clamp into and bite the tube and/orresin components of the FFM. Chemical clamps may bond to the FFM usingteeth/protuberances/mesh attached to the clamp to create a physicalpressure bonding attachment. The FFM may also interlock through a hole,window or end of clamp, when it is closed, as it will be expressedforcefully when clamp is closed and the FFM will be express throughwindow/hole or end of clamp.

The orthodontic system modifies current orthodontic appliances to allowfor custom insertion then adaption around hard and soft tissues of theoral cavity by changing in part or entirely the wires which have beentraditionally used in orthodontics with various sized and shaped,including some or all of various components of the this systems flex fitmodules or FFM(s). Also this system replaces the traditionally acrylicplastic portions of appliances or the tissue contacting portions ofappliances with flex fit wafers which are flexible and light curable andaccept FFM(s) to integrate into this orthodontic system. These modifiedappliances are used for any or all orthodontic purposes within the oralcavity and can be attached to oral structures or to lay upon oralstructures and can replace any commonly used orthodontic traditionalappliance such as an rapid palatal expander, unilateral/bilateral spacemaintainer, Nance holding appliance, functional appliances, intra-archor inter-arch orthodontic appliances, fixed or removable orthodonticappliances, removable clear aligners, retainers, bite openers, occlusalcoverage appliances, intraoral or extra oral appliances, molardistalization appliances, expansion appliances, bite modifyingappliances. Or they can be used in conjunction with traditional bracketsystem such as clear or metal brackets, removable clear appliances,custom fabricated and designed orthodontic systems or simply used tointroduce an orthodontic auxiliary or auxiliaries to existingtraditional systems such as a cleat, hook, button clamps, fasteners,spring, piston, elastomerics, open or closed coil, bracket, tube,sliding or stopped arch-wire connection device, screw, lock, bolt andnut, stop, ligature, retraction device, power chain, TAD, head gear,traction device, visible light emitting device, vibration apparatus, orany other auxiliary, which is connected to this system using one or moreof its components for orthodontic or orthodontic orthopedic purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Patent Office upon request andpayment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with adouble TAD mounted along the gum line above the teeth.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventionmounted along the palate of the mouth.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventionmounted along the palate of the mouth.

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the invention mounted to a palatalexpander mounted to the upper arch of the maxilla.

FIG. 4a is a cross section of the embodiment of the (RPE) palatalexpander screw with FFM notches built into appliance of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an RPE palatal expander screw cap thatsecures top portion of FFM when snapped in place over screw to secureFFM segments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device clamp orjaws.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another mechanical locking device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device affixed to atemporary anchoring device.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a mechanicallocking device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mechanical lockingdevice affixed to a band fitted to a tooth.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a mechanical locking device with a lingualbracket.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11a is a view of a clamp with locking teeth, which bite into FFM.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an uncured FFM/Flexible curable rope orFlex fit module

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of a randomly shaped and cured FFMof FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bracket attached to a clamp for usewith removable invisible aligners.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a composite flexible curable resin rope18.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16a is a top view of the cap of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows the location of cross section AA of the curable resin rope18 shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a cross section AA showing the fibers impregnated within acurable resin, the encapsulation component and the ring.

FIG. 20 illustrates two composite flexible curable resin ropes of FIG.15 affixed to various orthodontic appliances and components.

FIG. 21 is an expanded view of the construct of FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Examples of the present invention are illustrated in the followingfigures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention10 mounted along the gum line above the teeth. A temporary anchoringdevice (TAD) 12 better shown in FIG. 7 with a mechanical locking deviceor clamp 14 attached to its head 16 is positioned between the teeth tothe bone to provide a fixed anchoring point. One end 18 a of a flexiblecurable resin rope 18 is secured by the mechanical locking device orclamp 14 of the TAD 12. The other end 18 b is secured to a mechanicallocking device 20 affixed to a tube clip 22, which accepts an archwire24, and slides along the arch-wire 24 secured by braces 26. Thisappliance 10 is attached to a TAD above the teeth and to an orthodontictube 22 with the arch-wire 24 passing through the tube 22. This use mayrequire two separate TADs 12 to prevent rotation of an appliance asshown in FIG. 1.

A cleat 28 shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 is attached to themechanical locking device or clamp 20 to provide an anchoring point forelastic (not shown). Thus positioned, the resin rope 18 is cured withlight, heat, chemicals or time to securely hold rigid the cleat 28 infixed position to allow the teeth to move in a desired direction.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 10mounted along the pallet to secure a desired tooth in position. Thistooth can now be acted upon with traditional orthodontic methods and notmoved. A TAD 12 with a mechanical locking device or clamp 14 attached toits head 16 (not shown) and a lingual bracket 30 is secured to the roofof the mouth. One end 18 a of a curable resin rope 18 is then secured bythe mechanical locking device or clamp 14 of the TAD 12. The other end18 b is secured by the mechanical locking device 20 of a band 32 fittedto a tooth in position. The resin rope 18 is then cured with light,heat, chemical or time to rigidly secure the banded tooth in fixedposition relative to the TAD 12

The curable flexible resin rope, flex fit module or FFM, all hereinafterreferred to as (FFM) 18, is moldable to the anatomy of the oral cavityand has variable diameters selected to withstand biasing forces whencured. It is then adapted around the anatomy of the palate and fit to alocking device clamp 20, which is attached to the TAD 12. After curingthis is complete anchorage for the bicuspid.

The FFM 18 is a new category of orthodontic appliances whose primaryfunctions include:

i. Adaptation to the patients anatomy

ii. Replacement of current custom bent wires to connect from tad totooth, appliance to tooth, tooth to tooth, tad to bracket, tad to band,appliance to band or bracket, band/bracket to auxiliary, tad toauxiliary, band/bracket to acrylic pad, tad to acrylic pad, appliance toacrylic pad.

iii. Elimination of lab work fabrication with one visit placement ofcustom made appliances

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention 10mounted along the upper arch of the maxilla. This appliance 10 is fittedto a molar and a bicuspid via brackets 32, 33 fitted with clamps 20, 21.An FFM 18 is then adapted from one to the other and another mechanicallocking device clamp 14 fitted with a lingual bracket 30 is attached toa TAD 12 secured to the roof of the mouth, holds ends 18 a, 18 b of theFFM 18 in position. It is then cured to achieve complete anchorage. Theresin rope 18 is required to fit together between the attachment ends ofall these appliances. Within these scanned images, the flex fittingresin is easily adapted to the anatomy of the oral cavity. In summary,the ends 18 a, 18 b, are secured by mechanical locking devices 20, 21 oftooth bands 32, 33. Once in position, the resin rope 18 is then curedwith light to rigidly hold the two banded teeth in fixed positionrelative to the TAD 12.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of another embodiment of the invention 10mounted to a rapid palatal expander (RPE) 34 mounted to the upper palletof the mouth. The RPE 34 is attached to the teeth via bands 62, 64, 66,68 fitted with clamps 52, 54, 56, 58. FFMs 36, 38, 40, 42 are used toattach the teeth to the screw activated RPE 34. Once ends 52, 54, 56, 58are secured to clamps 52, 54, 56, 58, and ends 44, 46, 48, 50 aresecured by the RPE 34, the FFMs 36, 38, 40, 42 are fit to the anatomyand clamped into place. The RPE appliance is the cured to rigidly holdthe palatal expander 34 in position and ready for activation. Whenactivated, the RPE 34 applies spreading pressure to the four teethexpanding the suture of the palate to widen the bite.

FIG. 4a is a cross section of the embodiment of the palatal expander RPE34 of FIG. 4 showing its components 34 a, 34 b. The RPE cap 34 a issecured to the RPE base 34 b to hold the ends of resin ropes FFM 36, 38,40, 42. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the RPE cap 34 a shown in FIG.4 a.

FIG. 5 shows appliance 14 is fitted with a round tube clip 22 with atubular bore 68, which can accept arch-wires 24 or standard auxiliariesused in orthodontics.

This tube clip 22 has a round tube 68 with tubular bore 68 to slidealong an archwire 24. The tube clip may have a rectangular bore 68 asshown in FIG. 6. The locking device 14 has curved hinged jaws 70, 72held by a pin 74, which are structured to secure there between desiredsegments of FFMs 18 when locked by the hinged jaws 70, 72. One of thehinged jaws 70 contains an opening 76, which allows the FFM 18 to expandtherein when the jaws 70, 72 are closed. When cured, the protrudingsegment of the resin rope 18 prevents the jaws 70, 72 from sliding alongit.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another mechanical locking device 14with a cleat 28 and slide 22 similar to that shown in FIG. 5. This clamp14 is fitted with a cleat 28 to attach elastomeric ties. It also isfitted with a tube 68 with a square bore 68 to accept rectangulararch-wires allowing for torque to be introduced when needed. This slide22 square hole 68 rigidly holds to the arch-wire 24 so that when ittwists rotational pressure is applied to the mechanical locking device14.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device 14 affixedto the head 16 of a TAD 12. The TAD 12 has an anchoring shaft 13, whichis temporarily driven or screwed into the bone to secure the TAD 12 inposition.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a mechanicallocking device clamp 14 without a cleat 28. This perspective view bettershows the openable locking structure of the jaws 70, 72.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mechanical lockingdevice clamp 14 affixed to a tooth band 32.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a mechanical locking deviceclamp 14 with a lingual bracket 30.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11a is a view of a locking device clamp 14 with locking teeth inluman.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an uncured FFM 18 made of a tube 31 afilled with a resin 31 b, which can be chemically adjusted to achievedifferent physical characteristics and other relevant properties. Thetube 31 a surrounding or encasing this resin 31 b also can be similarlymodified by altering materials or width of tube 31 a to change itsphysical properties for the mechanical clamping or biting into via clamprequirements.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cured FFM 31 of FIG. 12 placed inposition.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of invisible removable aligner 80 adaptedwith the invention 10. The aligner 80 fits over tooth and bracket 79combination easily as to not to inhibit the placement of the invisibleremovable aligner 80 while at the same time holding the tooth in a fixedposition. The bracket 79 or bracket on band (not shown) is attached totooth and fixed to the clamp apparatus with a solid metal connectionwhich is part of the clamp bracket combination and is one piece. Themetal portion extends past the border of the invisible removable alignerto the clamp following the anatomy of the hard and soft tissue as itbecomes a clamp where it is fastened to the FFM 18. Actual bracket 79will be larger and oval in shape than that shown in 79.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a composite flexible curable resin rope18. FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with a flexiblestructural component 82 surrounded by a ring 84 connected to theencapsulation segment 90 covered by an end cap. FIG. 16a is a top viewof the end cap 92. The curable resin rope 18 has a flexible structuralcomponent 82 with a ring 84 connector encasing a curable resinencapsulation 92 shown in FIG. 17. The clip on band component 82 andcollar ring 84 are one type of fastener, which become a fastener whencombined with the clips on the bands shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, but manyother different options are available, such as clamps, etc.

FIG. 17 is a cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 showing thecurable resin component 85 containing fibers 86 impregnated with acurable resin 88 encapsulated with an encapsulation component 90 and thestructural flexible component 82. The ends of the curable resin rope 18are covered with end caps 92 creating a rope of any shape and diameterto be manipulated into a custom position within the oral cavity wherethe FFM is cured to hold said position and used for orthodontic holdingor movement of a tooth or teeth.

FIG. 18 shows the location of cross section AA of the curable resin rope18 shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows the fibers 86 impregnated with acurable resin 88, the encapsulation component 90 and the ring 84.

FIG. 20 illustrates two composite flexible curable resin ropes of FIG.15 affixed to orthodontic appliances and components better shown in FIG.21. This appliance can be attached to TADS 12 as is, or can be attachedto a second identical contralateral half by means of an expansion screwand become a rapid palatal expander 34. It can be attached to bone orteeth or both in a custom fashion. Although the orthodontic appliancesand components of FIG. 20 illustrate certain fasteners and components,they may be combined with any clips, brackets, and bands.

This invention 10 provides a new category of custom, single visit,comfortable appliances, which maintain rigid positioning of a desiredleverage point or points between teeth and appliances. Biased mechanicsand anchorage requirements are now easier and more predictable whilepatient compliance is reduced. Because the orthodontist can custom placehis appliance exactly where he needs it the orthodontic mechanics oftooth pulling, pushing, tipping, rotating, extruding, intruding andbodily movement and alignment are simplified.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

I claim:
 1. An Orthodontic system comprising: a. at least one uncuredmoldable Flex Fit Module or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM) consisting of aflexible curable resin material without a tube surrounding the resinmaterial, wherein each Flex Fit Module or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM)has a diameter and length selected to apply required orthodontic biasingforces to obtain selective movement of teeth, which are moldable when inuse and are custom aligned and shaped and positioned within a patient'soral cavity along desired segments of teeth, gums, palate and buccal andlingual portions in both the mandible and maxilla with physicalproperties including slump, firmness, wetness, malleability,flexibility, strength, hardness, flowability, and curability totemporarily hold the Flex Fit Module or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM) ina fixed position until cured with heat, time, chemical or light curingwith no flexible structural components outside of the FFM itself, andwhen in use in a cured state forms a rigid structure capable ofwithstanding and directing the orthodontic biasing forces with exactplacement; b. at least one first anchorage element selected from thegroup comprising temporary anchorage device(s) (TAD) or toothpositioning orthodontic appliance(s); c. at least one second anchorageelement selected from the group comprising temporary anchorage device(s)(TAD) or tooth positioning orthodontic appliance(s); wherein each ofsaid anchorage elements(s) is provided with anchorage structure and afastener which connects components of the orthodontic system; saidanchorage structure adapted to secure to a tooth, teeth, oralstructure(s), orthodontic appliance(s), arch-wires, or orthodontichardware within a patient's oral cavity to provide an anchoring point,and said fastener is adapted to secure said Flex Fit Module or flexibleresin rope(s) (FFM).
 2. The Orthodontic system according to claim 1,wherein the curable resin material contains anionic, cationic, or freeradical polymers selected from the group consisting of at least one ofthe following: 2,6-Di-tert-butyle-4-methylphenol, Bisphenol A ethoxylatedimethacrylate, PEG 400 Extended Urethane dimethacrylate, AliphaticUrethane Acrylate, Urethane dimethacrylate, Diurethane dimethacrylateisomers mixtures, Ethyl 4-(dimethlyamineo) benzoate, epoxies, acrylates,cyanoacrylates, silicones, polyurethanes, polyureas, oligomer acrylates,Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, urethane methacrylate oligomers, lowmolecular weight trimethacrylates or other polyethylene glycol (PEG)monomers, Bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate, oligomers, monomers,polymers, cyanoacrylates, elastomers, polyolefins, acrylics, plastics,silicone and photo initiators.
 3. The Orthodontic system according toclaim 1, wherein the first anchorage elements are adapted to be fastenedor connected to the Flex Fit Module or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM)comprise at least one of the following: a temporary anchorage device(TAD), bone plates, orthodontic hardware, removable orthodonticappliances, fixed orthodontic appliances, space maintenance appliances,orthodontic braces, ligatures, clear removable aligners, a second FlexFit Module or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM), a flex fit wafer (FFW),band(s), bracket(s), custom milled, injection molded, or additivelymanufactured brackets or bands, mesh pads, tubes, wires, orthodonticauxiliaries, hooks, buttons, elastics, elastomerics, inter-oral andextra-oral orthodontic appliances, active tooth positioning orthodonticappliance(s), magnets, visible and non visible light emittingappliances, vibration devices, or orthodontic appliances which deliveran electrical current(s) into the oral structures.
 4. The Orthodonticsystem according to claim 1, wherein the second anchorage elements areadapted to be fastened or connected at any point along the Flex FitModule or flexible resin rope(s) (FFM) and comprise at least one of thefollowing: a temporary anchorage device (TAD), bone plates, orthodontichardware, removable orthodontic appliances, fixed orthodonticappliances, space maintenance appliances, orthodontic braces, ligatures,clear removable aligners, a second Flex Fit Module or flexible resinrope(s) (FFM), a flex fit wafer, band(s), bracket(s), custom milled,injection molded, or additively manufactured brackets or bands, meshpads, tubes, wires, orthodontic auxiliaries, hooks, buttons, elastics,elastomerics, inter-oral or extra-oral orthodontic appliances, activetooth positioning orthodontic appliance(s), magnets, visible and nonvisible light emitting appliances, vibration devices, or orthodonticappliance(s) which deliver an electrical current(s) into the oralstructures.